3 princes jostle for Lamido’s throne

Written by Daily Trust Monday, 15 March 2010

As Lamido of Adamawa Alhaji Aliyu Musdafa, who died in Yola on Saturday evening was buried yesterday, at least three of his children and other princes have begun to jostle for the vacant throne. The late Lamido’s first son, Chiroman Adamawa Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, his second son, former Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Alhaji Ahmadu Musdafa as well as the former Secretary to the Adamawa State Government Adamu Aliyu, who is Sarkin Dawakin Adamawa, are regarded as frontrunners in the race to succeed their father.

A new Lamido is expected to be named within the next few days according to the traditions of Fombina emirate. A Lamidon Adamawa was last selected in 1955, during the British colonial administration.

Lamido Aliyu Musdafa, who died on Saturday after a brief illness, was buried in his palace at a funeral ceremony attended by top government officials, leading traditional rulers from Nigeria and Cameroon as well as senior politicians.

The remains of the 11th Lamido were committed to earth at the royal graveyard within the Lamido’s palace in Yola in accordance with the Islamic rites. Even though his remains were inside the palace, the burial could not be conducted until 3p.m due to the massive crowd which turned up at the palace as early as 12 noon.

The prayer session was led by the Chief Imam of Yola Khadi Ahmadu Bobboi and was attended by leading Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad led a large delegation of Northern emirs, including the Shehu of Bornu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero and Emir of Zazzau Alhaji Shehu Idris. Other royal fathers present included the Emirs of Gombe, Muri, Nasarawa, Katagum, Ningi, Bade and Lafia.

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, who led a Federal Government delegation that included the National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Mohamed Gusau.

Host Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, Governor Ali Modu Sherrif of neighbouring Borno State, Taraba State Danbaba Suntai, Kano State Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar [who is a son-in-law of the late Lamido], Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Professor Jibril Aminu, former minister of industries and current member of the presidential advisory panel Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Hassan Adamu, Wakilin Adamawa as well as Third Republic governor of Adamawa State Abubakar Saleh Michika were also at the funeral.

Other notable politicians in attendance include former governorship candidate of the Action Congress Ibrahim Bapetel, ex-ANPP candidate Adamu Modibbo, ex-PDP governorship aspirant Alhaji Muhammadu Kwairanga Jada, who is the Matawallen Adamawa, and former federal lawmaker Auwal Tukur.

Traditional rulers from Cameroun Republic at the funeral ceremony include Lamido Aliyu Hayatu and Lamido Musa. At the time of filing this report, many more dignitaries were still pouring into Yola to condole with the family and the state government.

SGF Yayale Ahmed described the late Lamido as an icon of peace who worked tirelessly with the federal government to ensure the sustenance of peace in the country.

Senator Jibril Aminu said the peace being enjoyed in Adamawa State was the result of Lamido Aliyu Musdafa’s unparalleled efforts. Wakilin Adamawa Hassan Adamu said the late Aliyu Musdafa was not just the Lamido of Adamawa State, “he was the Lamido of Nigeria”.

The late Lamido Aliyu Musdafa, who was 88, was survived by wives, more than 50 children and many grandchildren.